Ancient and significant copper mine, once counted among the wealthiest in Cornwall, has a storied history. Initially referred to as Wh Sound, a mine situated at the set’s western end, it yielded 9 tons of copper ore during 1756-1757. By 1765, the group became known as Wh Towan. However, the rise of the prominent Parys Mountain mines in Anglesey led to a period of dormancy for Wh Towan between 1788 and 1799.

Resuming operations in 1800, Wh Towan experienced a resurgence, producing a substantial 37,859 tons of copper ore until June 1814. This ore fetched an impressive sum of £470,619, underscoring the mine’s significance and economic contribution during this period of activity.

Wheal Towan is famous for being the mine at which engineer William West experimented by covering one of the boilers of the pumping engine with sawdust to insulate it. The performance improvement was so dramatic that the mine agents didn’t believe the reports, and it took a public trial to vindicate him.